DEAN OF THE PRUET SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN STUDIES

Ouachita Baptist University invites applications and nominations for the next Dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies. Combining exceptional scholarship and effective teaching with a vital focus on preparing graduates for practical ministry, the Pruet School, over the last two decades, has achieved significant growth, developed innovative programs, and benefitted from a recent renovation of its academic facilities, all under the able leadership of the two previous deans. With a highly experienced and collegial faculty, the next dean will have an exceptional opportunity to lead the school in a new era.

The university seeks a dean who understands and appreciates the school’s identity and mission and is ready to embrace opportunities for expanding its impact by strengthening hands-on learning, engaging ministry partners throughout the state and region, recruiting and developing new faculty, and guiding students and faculty in understanding and responding to cultural, demographic, and digital changes shaping the life of the church and the future of ministry.

Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the dean provides leadership and fosters excellence in all the school’s academic programs. The dean is responsible for maintaining academic and theological integrity, recruiting and retaining students, fostering a positive learning environment in collaboration with faculty colleagues, cultivating strong relationships with churches and leaders in the Arkansas Baptist State Convention and other ministry partners, and expanding opportunities for the school and its constituents. Additional information about the Pruet School, Ouachita Baptist University, and the dean’s position may be found at obu.edu/PSCSdean.

Responsibilities:

• Exemplify excellence in teaching and lead the faculty in ongoing attention to effective teaching and learning
• Foster a strong scholarly community among the school’s faculty and students by promoting faculty development, scholarly contributions, and high-impact student learning opportunities, including internships and other practical learning experiences
• Teach courses each semester in one’s field of expertise
• Guide curriculum and program development to ensure academic quality and integrity while advancing the strategic vision for the school and the university
• Oversee effective assessment of student learning and promote positive student outcomes
• Encourage student success and timely degree completion by guiding faculty efforts in advising, degree planning, and related student support
• Aggressively recruit prospective students for the school’s programs, collaborating with appropriate faculty, staff, alumni, churches, and other ministry partners to enhance enrollment
• Advance the university’s efforts to support faculty and students from diverse backgrounds
• Cultivate positive relationships with churches and Arkansas Baptist leaders, making the educational resources of the Pruet School available for ministry training and professional development
• Exercise sound financial management and cultivate philanthropic opportunities to expand the school’s resources, including leadership of the Pruet School Advisory Board

Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. in a field appropriate for the School of Christian Studies
• A distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, and service at the university level
• Authentic Christian faith, lived out through personal discipleship and active involvement in a local church
• Enthusiastic support for the theological stance and educational aims expressed in the Mission Statement and Grounding Affirmations of the Pruet School of Christian Studies and the University’s Vision, Mission, and Values
• At least three years of prior administrative experience in higher education, with a record of increasing levels of responsibility
• Faithful leadership experience in church ministries or missions
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and establish positive relationships with a broad and diverse constituency, including faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and churches

Compensation:

Salary and academic rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The dean serves on a 12-month contract with vacation. The university provides a generous benefits package.

Applications and Nominations:

Review of applications will begin February 22 and continue until the position is filled. The application materials listed below should be prepared, preferably as a single PDF document, and uploaded as indicated on the following web page: obu.edu/PSCSdean.

• Letter of application describing interest and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of personal faith and ministry involvement
• Philosophy of teaching
• List of five references, including telephone and email contact information

Additional materials will be requested from selected applicants at a later stage in the process. All application materials will remain confidential, and references will be contacted only after candidates are given advanced notice. Please direct any questions about the application process to the email address below. 

Nominations and inquiries are encouraged and may be sent via email to PruetDeanSearch@obu.edu or mailed to the following address:

Dr. Stan Poole

Vice President for Academic Affairs

Ouachita Baptist University

Box 3755

Arkadelphia, AR 71998